Question

Slide the lid slightly to the left (not completely off) to allow some molecules to escape. Watch the temperature. Also observe the molecules leaving the container and the molecules that remain in the container. The temperature in the container is most likely to ____.

a) Increase
b) Decrease
c) Remain constant
d) Fluctuate

Answer 1

The temperature in the container is most likely to decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The temperature in the container is most likely to decrease.

When the lid is slightly slid to the left, some molecules are able to escape. As these molecules leave the container, they carry away energy in the form of kinetic energy. This leads to a decrease in the overall temperature of the container.

For example, when you have a cup of hot coffee and you blow on it, the hot steam escaping carries away heat energy, causing the coffee to cool down. Similarly, in this scenario, the escaping molecules cause the temperature inside the container to decrease.